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News
Equestrians feature on NMW underpayments List
7th September 2026
Seven employers from the equestrian community have been included in the latest list of UK employers found to have underpaid staff the National Minimum Wage (NMW) between 2021 and 2023.
The list, published by the Fair Work Agency and the Department for Business and Trade, named over 600 businesses across a range of industries.
The published data covers historic underpayments identified following investigations by HMRC and does not necessarily reflect current practices.
The employers named in this round of enforcement represent several disciplines from across the equestrian industry, including eventing, dressage, show jumping and racing.
The BGA understands that at least one of the mispayments was as a result of a holiday pay oversight. This highlights one of the many complex financial challenges equestrian employers navigate, which, if misunderstood, can easily lead to mistakes.
| Name | Trading Name | Arrears | No of Workers | Arrears Period |
| Mrs Fiona Burgoyne | Horsechoice | £22,422.75 | 4 | 2019 - 2023 |
| Alan King Racing Limited | Alan King Racing Limited | £19,050.72 | 24 | 2019 - 2022 |
| Miss Rebecca Jane Cowderoy | Rebecca Cowderoy Dressage | £4,179.44 | 1 | 2021 - 2022 |
| Mr Gaspard R Maksud | Mr G R Maksud | £3,842.87 | 2 | 2021 - 2023 |
| Miss Lucinda V Russell | Arlary House Stables | £2,158.39 | 2 | 2023 - 2024 |
| Mrs Caroline Bryant | Aldermoor Farm Equestrian | £1,930.16 | 1 | 2021 - 2022 |
| Anthony Condon Show Jumping | Anthony Condon Show Jumping Limited | £878.57 | 1 | 2022 - 2022 |
In response to the listing, a representative of Anthony Condon said:
“This was an unfortunate matter in relation to one member of staff that worked at our stables for a short period of time and there was an admin error with holiday pay for the period of employment, this matter was resolved and we have changed our accountancy team in order to ensure we never make this mistake again. We value our staff so much and we couldn’t possibly do what we do without them."
Good Employment Matters
The British Grooms Association (BGA) are committed to raising awareness of employment rights and responsibilities within the industry and is on hand to support grooms in understanding the NMW.
Common causes of underpayment of the NMW often include errors relating to:
- Unpaid overtime
- Incorrect apprenticeship rates
- Overcharging for accommodation
- Change in age rates
>> Are you being paid correctly? BGA members can find out by reading our Guide to the National Minimum Wage
Fair Work Agency says
“This naming round is an important reminder that paying the minimum wage is not optional — it is the law. Most employers want to do the right thing, and we will support them to comply, but those who fall short should expect robust enforcement to protect workers and maintain a fair playing field for responsible businesses.
We are urging all employers to check their payroll, review their processes and correct any mistakes now, so every worker receives the pay they are entitled to.”
Matthew Taylor, Chair of the Fair Work Agency Advisory Board
The BGA’s sister organisation, The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), offers a range of resources, guidance, smart online tools and a series of videos from the HMRC to help equestrian employers stay compliant.
The EEA also offers further support and a NMW Compliance helpline for employers through its partnership with the Fair Pay Hub.
Paying the correct NMW rate for every hour worked is not a choice, it is the law and failure to comply can be costly. Grooms who are paid incorrectly can report their employer to the HMRC.
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NEWS ARCHIVE
- 2026 (21 ENTRIES)
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What the personal accident policy covers you for:
- Whilst at work
- All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
- Clipping
- Riding – including hacking and jumping
- Hunting
- Lunging
- Breaking in
- Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
- Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
- Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
- Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor
What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:
- Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
- Stunt Riding
- Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
- Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
- Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
- Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.
| GROOM | RIDER | EMPLOYER | |
|
When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client. |
|
|
|
| Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing. | NO |
YES |
YES |
| Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client. | YES |
NO |
NO |
| Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name | NO | NO | YES |
| Buy and sell horses | NO | YES | YES |
The BGA is the national representative body for all
grooms working in the UK or British grooms abroad.
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